Lead VFX Artist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Flexible hybrid work arrangements

Health and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Access to cutting-edge VFX hardware &/

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead VFX Artist in Queenstown, Eastern Cape for a hybrid role leading a team to create stunning VFX for games, films, and media. You will direct artistic and technical direction across multiple projects.

You will mentor artists, refine pipelines, and collaborate with directors and tech leads while staying ahead of new VFX technologies. Strong leadership and communication are required for hybrid studio work.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing a VFX team.
• Extensive professional experience in VFX with a strong portfolio.
• Expertise in Houdini, Maya, After Effects or Unreal Engine Niagara.
• Strong understanding of particle systems, simulations, shaders and rendering.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and implementation of visual effects (VFX) for games, films, or other media.
• Supervise and mentor a team of VFX artists, guiding their artistic development and technical execution.
• Develop and refine VFX pipelines, tools, and workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and technical leads to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Ensure all VFX meet project requirements, performance targets, and stylistic consistency.
• Stay updated on the latest VFX technologies, software, and industry trends.

Skills

VFX leadership

Artistic eye

Communication

Problem-solving

Team mentoring

Tools

Houdini

Maya

After Effects

Unreal Engine Niagara

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the Arts & Entertainment sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead VFX Artist to join their innovative team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This hybrid role is crucial for driving the artistic and technical direction of visual effects across multiple projects. You will lead a team of talented VFX artists, ensuring the creation of stunning, high-impact visual effects that enhance narrative and aesthetic quality. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership capabilities, working effectively within a collaborative studio environment combined with remote contribution opportunities, shaping the visual spectacle of digital content.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and implementation of visual effects (VFX) for games, films, or other media.
• Supervise and mentor a team of VFX artists, guiding their artistic development and technical execution.
• Develop and refine VFX pipelines, tools, and workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and technical leads to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Ensure all VFX meet project requirements, performance targets, and stylistic consistency .
• Stay updated on the latest VFX technologies , software, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience in VFX creation , with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse effects.
• Proven leadership experience managing a VFX team.
• Expertise in industry-standard VFX software such as Houdini, Maya, After Effects, or Unreal Engine Niagara.
• Strong understanding of particle systems, simulations (fluid, smoke, fire), shaders, and rendering techniques.
• Excellent artistic eye for composition, timing, and motion.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills , capable of working in a hybrid model in Queenstown .

Benefits

• A competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements , offering studio collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and attending industry events.
• Access to cutting-edge VFX hardware and software .
• Be part of a creative and passionate team contributing to exciting projects in the Eastern Cape .